Under Lock and Key; or, Marion Marlowe's Last Role — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

view was over, but Dr. Fenn still lingered with his hand upon the medicine chest. ~ “Wilson is an idiot! He would only blat! Choose another attorney—tltere are dozens of them!” he said, dryly. “You may be right, Fenn,” was the thoughtful answer. “I'll try Howe & Ward, or Gross & Teall; they are reputable at- - torneys.” 3 “Bosh! What’s the matter with you, Lee? Are you anxious for trouble?” exclaimed Dr. ‘Fenn, suddenly. ‘“Can’t you get it through _ your head that you don’t want a -reputable attorney ?” Dr. Lee stood still and stared for a min- tte, then he bent his head in silent admira- tion of the other’s shrewdness. _ Temple street,” said Fenn, quickly. ‘“He’s reputable enough—at least, he is at present.” “As you say, Fenn,’’ was the superintend- - ent’s reply, “and I hope we have no further - trouble with our new acquisition.” | “T suppose I will ge on giving the chloral 52 for a time, at least,” remarked Dr. Fenn, as he rose slowly, “and allow me to say eet Picts that Carson has been reported rich. _ Once get his pen on that paper, and—well, even rogues love company !” Dr. Lee smiled bitterly as he glanced at his assistant. “You ought to be the Le here is instead of me, Fenn,” he said, sarcastically. _ “T have.a fragment of conscience, but you _haven’t an atom. If it were not for you, I believe I could get back my oo ie a as it is “As it is, you dare not lay claim to such a thing,” finished the assistant, grimly. “I _know you too well for you to make any bluff _ like that. The only difference between us, Lee, is that I am fairly honest.” 5 Dr. Lee’s pale face flushed and his eyes _ wavered in their glance. He was immensely _ relieved when his assistant left the office. | A moment later some one tapped at his door. It was Mrs. Mason, the supervisor, her face as impassive as ever. “TI came to report, sir, that Miss Thompson Says that the new patient cannot take any more chloral,” she said, calmly. “It does not act as it should—it is making her crazy!’ Soa ad Px: . ’ ~~ . MY QUEEN. “Take your papers to Richard Carson, 98 ad 13 “Dr. Lee bit his lips, but the woman did -not look at him. She was standing with averted eyes awaiting his answer. “Miss Thompson is to give the medicines according to Dr. Fenn’s instructions,” he said, finally. ‘How dare she presume to criticise the treatment? Report the next trace of her insubordination to me immediately, Mrs. Mason!” The supervisor bowed and turned away. A moment later she had thought of something. “Tt is company day to-day, sir. Shall Miss Gordon be seen?”’ she asked, with just a trace of interest in her tones. “She might say something, sir, which would be misleading.” Dr. Lee stroked his beard for a moment thoughtfully, then he modulated his voice to its customary smoothness, “T think she will be sleeping during com- pany hours, Mrs. Mason. But, if she is awake, give her another dose of chloral.” _ The supervisor vanished this time to carry out her orders. If she was anything more than a machine, she did not show it. Miss Thompson took her reprimand in grim, sar- castic silence. She had a mind of her own and she knew when to use it. “That’s the last drop of that stuff she’ll get to-day,” she muttered to herself, as she went to the lavatory and emptied the “sleeping draught” into the sink. Then she filled the bottle with water, which was exactly the same color. . When she went back into the ward again, Marion was looking at her. In spite of a double dose of the stuff, the girl was not even drowsy. “Miss Thompson,” she whispered, weakly, as the nurse went to the side of her bed, “I am sorry I rebelled—lI should not have done it! I know you are not to blame, you have to do as you are told, but, oh, must I stay in this place forever? Is there no way that I can get word to those who love me?” 33 Once more the grim nurse felt a suspicion dart through her mind. It did not seem pos- sible that this girl’s brain could be affected. With only a pleasant smile, she unbound Marion’s hands. There was no danger now of another outburst. She was trying to think what was best to say, when suddenly a weird voice echoed COMMICHOOOKS. CO